The Transformative Power of Gratitude Through Christ

Life Lesson 45: A heart filled with gratitude is a joyful one, finding glimpses of God in every aspect of life.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever!” –1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

In the midst of our busy lives, we often overlook the many blessings that surround us. However, gratitude, which is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, encourages us to pause and appreciate the divine grace present in every moment.

Practicing gratitude not only makes us feel good but also changes our outlook on life. Jesus’s teachings encourage us to recognize God’s blessings in our daily lives. When we embrace gratitude, we open our hearts to God’s presence in every situation. This helps uplift our spirits, strengthen our faith, and remind us of God’s enduring love and grace.

Let’s explore some Scriptures about gratitude to help us develop a more thankful heart in our everyday lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV): “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It’s difficult to be thankful when we are going through tough times. However, the Bible teaches us to be grateful in all circumstances. Should we be thankful when wronged? What about illness—should we thank God for that too? The answer is yes, because God is all-knowing, and His plans are perfect; we can trust Him even in life’s storms. The Bible tells us that “[our] times are in His hands” (Psalm 31:15 NIV), so we can place our all, including health, relationships, finances, emotions, desires, and dreams in His hands, knowing that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). If you are a child of God, you do not need to be afraid or worry. Instead, thank Him for His providence and mighty power in your life.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Of course, it’s easier said than done. We’re all more prone to worry and anxiety than we are to praying and giving thanks to God—it’s the natural human response. However, when we approach God with a heart of gratitude and present our concerns to Him, He hears us and is faithful to answer our prayers and meet our needs.

Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

When we rest in God’s presence, our hearts naturally find peace, are strengthened, and are encouraged by His Spirit. Surrendering to the Lord Jesus and His will for us inspires a life of gratitude to the Father. In other parts of the Bible, we are told that when we commit to the Lord whatever we do, He will establish our plans (Proverbs 16:3 NIV). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28 NIV). Isn’t it freeing to let go and allow the God of the universe who is all powerful to direct our steps? At first, it is hard to imagine, but with every passing moment and with every step, He is with us navigating the tumultuous areas of our lives.

Psalm 118:24 (NIV): “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

Every day is a gift from God. Even before we get out of bed in the morning, let’s first thank Him for keeping us safe throughout the night and for a brand new day. Invite His presence in all your plans, and remember that even the very air we breathe is a gift from God. Don’t forget to be thankful, no matter what you face today. Ephesians 5:20 says, “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Not a single moment of our life is guaranteed. Let’s not waste it worrying about what we cannot control. Let’s use the time we are given to praise God for His unfailing love and kindness toward us.

My prayer is that you would let God’s Word penetrate your heart and fill your life with gratitude today. Remember, studying the Scriptures and meditating on God’s Word is a great way to develop a grateful heart. Through Jesus, we can find joy and thankfulness in every moment, so let’s embrace today’s blessings with hearts full of gratitude.

“The thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” –Henry Ward Beecher